1. Kris Dunn
Tyronn Lue starting Kris Dunn 58 times through 2024-25 indicates how much he was needed, particularly on defense. He was solid for the Utah Jazz in smaller increments of action. Albeit, he ultimately gave James Harden the space to be himself in a larger role, as the perimeter coverage duties were handled exceptionally well.
In 70 contests, Dunn averaged 6.4 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 2.8 assists, with the second-most steals in his career, per game, at 1.7. Regarding totals, he logged 128 steals, by far the best he has ever achieved in the most minutes he has played within an 82-game span.
But next season, Dunn's minutes will drop significantly to less than ten each night, and possibly zero, when Tyronn Lue requires more in other areas, such as three-point shooting and quick passing, than just defense.
Furthermore, the veteran guard, as an offensive liability, will likely find himself swapping minutes with Chris Paul as the backup to Harden. In some games, against dominant backcourts like the Oklahoma City Thunder or Los Angeles Lakers, with stars of the show like Shai Gilegous-Alexander and Luka Doncic, Dunn will contribute legitimate playing time. Still, against others, a DNP may be marked in his stat sheet, especially in the playoffs.
In addition, there is always the chance that the Clippers could trade Dunn at the deadline, given that next season will complete two-thirds of his contract, and the final is non-guaranteed. Contenders with defensive needs will be on the lookout, ready to give up draft capital and/or other assets.
Nonetheless, it is all but confirmed by Lawrence Frank that Dunn will be on the hardwood minimally next season, and his presence out of the nightly rotation is inevitable with the free agent signings of Paul and Bradley Beal.